Kenya partners with IVI to strengthen vaccine research and production

KENYA—The Kenyan government and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance Kenya’s vaccine research and production capabilities. 

The ceremony, which took place at Afya House, marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure and achieve vaccine self-reliance.

This partnership follows Kenya’s recognition as the 41st member state of IVI, a move announced in June this year.

This milestone is expected to significantly enhance Kenya’s capacity to produce vaccines locally, contributing to both national and regional health security.

The collaboration aims to foster groundbreaking research, workforce development, and technology transfer initiatives to boost the country’s vaccine production and public health response.

Kenya’s role in vaccine research is already well-established, with key institutions such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the Kenya BioVax Institute playing vital roles in clinical trials, disease surveillance, and workforce training.

This partnership builds on those achievements, intending to make Kenya a leader in vaccine production in Africa.

Additionally, the collaboration is set to support broader public health goals across the continent, ensuring better access to vaccines and more robust health systems.

At the signing ceremony, prominent figures such as the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, and Dr. Jerome Kim, the Director General of IVI, emphasised the importance of this partnership for Kenya’s healthcare future.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Mr. Harry Kimtai, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services; Dr. Patrick Amoth, the Director General for Health; Dr. Michael Lusiola, CEO of Kenya BioVax; and Professor Elijah Songok, Ag. Director General of KEMRI.

Dr. Barasa highlighted the MoU as a crucial step toward achieving the African Union’s goal of producing 60% of Africa’s vaccines locally by 2040.

She further stressed that the MoU is a symbol of the shared commitment to building a strong and equitable vaccine ecosystem, ensuring that all populations have access to essential vaccines.

Dr. Michael Lusiola, CEO of Kenya BioVax, called the partnership a “game-changer” for Africa’s vaccine ecosystem, echoing the sentiment that it will provide transformative opportunities for vaccine production on the continent.

Another notable achievement is Kenya’s selection to host the IVI Country Office and the Advancing Vaccine End-to-End Capabilities (AVEC) Project Office, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a leader in health innovation and vaccine production in Africa.

Dr. Jerome Kim praised Kenya’s proactive approach, stating that the partnership represents a bold step toward advancing global health security through sustainable vaccine solutions.